Bannon Drafted by Chiefs

Apr 30, 2011

First Yale Player Drafted Since 2004

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Shane Bannon did something today no Yale football player has done in seven years, he got drafted by a National Football League team. The versatile Yale H-Back was taken by Kansas City in the seventh round and is the first Eli draft pick since Nate Lawrie '04.

Bannon, a 6-2, 265-pound runner/receiver/blocker, could play tight end, H-back or fullback for the Chiefs. He started every game last fall and had a career-best 13 catches playing the hybrid position for the Bulldogs.

"I could not be more honored to be a part of the Chiefs' organization. I want to thank the Hunt Family, and I look forward to strapping on the pads and showing them what I am all about," said Bannon, the only Ivy League draftee this year. "The fans at Arrowhead Stadium are known to be the best in the nation. I look forward to making them proud."

The Southbury, Conn., native played in 28 games at Yale. He had two rushes and scored one TD while catching 16 passes for 147 yards with two TDs.

Bannon, the 20th pick in the seventh round, was Kansas City's ninth selection and the 223rd player named overall in the 2011 draft.

Lawrie, a tight end at Yale and in the NFL, was taken by Tampa Bay in the sixth round (181 overall) but is no longer in the league.